Committed to Prayer – Sunday

“I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)

There is a subtle logic contained in this saying of Jesus, one that could be missed. It is not simply a matter of asking Jesus for anything we desire in order to benefit ourselves. Jesus says he acts on our behalf “so that the Father can be glorified in the Son.”

Jesus acts to bring glory to God the Father through the granting of our requests. Therefore, the requests made in his name must take a certain shape, they must be “in Christ,” reflecting the character and heart of the one who declares he will grant us “anything.” When you pray, ask God for anything, but remember God’s character. Ask that your soul might be formed in Christ-likeness. Then, as you grow, your petitions will become more and more glorifying to God, for they will reflect the heart of the one you follow and worship.

Father, teach me to pray in a way that will bring you glory. Form Christ in me, so that my heart will become like his heart. Amen.